Related Articles U.S. MNT Advance to Semifinal Round of FIFA World Cup Qualifying With 9-0 Aggregate Score Against Barbados

U.S. Head Coach Bob Bradley

On the two-game series against Barbados:
"For the series we feel good about the work we've done. This was an opportunity to use different players and it is important to get some young players experience. We had the confidence that we were strong enough defensively that we would hold together to get the win."

On Barbados:
"Barbados deserves a great deal of credit for the mentality that they brought to the pitch today. From the start they played aggressively and tried to push the game more [than last week]. In that regard, credit goes to their coaches for preparing the team well."

On man of the match Eddie Lewis:
"Eddie is a veteran player that has done a very good job coming into camps and setting a good example for young players. He's helped with the leadership that all teams need and today we rewarded him with the captains armband because this entire month he has been excellent in all ways.

 
U.S. midfielder and Sierra Mist Man of the Match EDDIE LEWIS

On his goal:
"We started figuring out early that the third runner was going to be the key. Their defenders were following our forwards, but they weren't doing such a good job of tracking midfield runs. I saw an opportunity to run through, and Freddy played a nice ball. I saw the 'keeper coming, and just tried to slip it through."

On the performance:
"It was a much different game than last week. We knew it wasn't going to be a game of a lot of goal. Barbados came out with a good mentality, and we knew if we were just patient and controlled the game that the goal would come. We had a lot of new players on the field, so it took a while for things to get comfortable. It was important to get some of these guys that experience, and in the end we did what we needed to do."

On being named captain:
"It was certainly an honor. I appreciate the gesture on Bob's part. I just wanted to set a good example and try to be a good leader out on the field."

U.S. Defender Danny Califf
On gaining experience as a team:
"I think that as a group we've experienced a lot. From the three games we had leading up we learned a bit about playing against World Class teams in places that are difficult to play at. We've taken a lot from this qualifying experience as well. Even after the 1st leg, a team like Barbados put up a challenge and refused to lie down. We have some guys with experience now in World Cup Qualifying and that will be of value down the road."

On qualifying:
"In qualifying everything is magnified and there is not so much room for error. We were fortunate to get a big league in the first game and that facilitated the changes we made today. It took some pressure off but there's always a question in the back of your head because anything can happen on any day in soccer."